Common Grackle against Fall Color

[Scott Grant]

Comon Grackle perched against fall color


D700
500mmVR
f5.6
1/320
ISO 2500
i used auto ISO to keep the shutter speed above 1/320 as the perch setup was swaying in the wind quite a bit. i'm amazed just how little noise is in the RAW file, even on the grackle's dark underside!

processed in NX2. slight crop for presentation.

self critique: wish for a little more head turn and there's a hot spot on the left side of the perch. i toned it down a little in NX2, but could almost use a little work in PS to clean it up a little more.

thanks for looking! :)

[Axel Hildebrandt]

I think it looks pretty good for such a high ISO. I like the soft light, iridescent colors and BG and only wish for a slight head turn toward you and might lighten the belly area a bit.

[Eric Wilmot]

Lovely colors and great details. HA as been mentioned and you might tone down some spot on the perch (under and behind the tail of the grackle).

Great work !!!

[Michel Pilon]

Wow! What a great shot at this ISO !!!

You are demonstrating that the Common Gracle are not black bird at all!!! Great colors on the bird but also wonderful colors in the bg. Details on the feathers are remarkable too. The hot spot on the left can be easily removed by cloning.

Thanks for sharing that nice shot!

Michel Pilon
Quebec, Canada

[Scott Grant]

thanks for commenting Axel...much appreciated.

Eric, i do agree with you on the hot spot. i will have to revisit the file to make the edit.

Thanks for the kind words Michel! also much appreciated!

[LouBuonomo]

Wow for that high an ISO that is great ! People look at these guys as a common nuisance bird (which they are) but they are quite beautiful with the iridescent head which you captured nicely

[Brian Sartor]

The colors you obtained on this bird are excellent and look great against that background. ISO 2500 -- nice!

[Stu Bowie]

Scott, just love the light and colours, and shows up the irridescence nicely. I like the sharpness in this too.

[Scott Grant]

Lou, i do agree, they are sometimes considered a nuisance, however, even in what some term as sea rats around my parts (gulls) i still see beauty. :) thank you for commenting.

Brian and Stuart, again, thanks for commenting on this image!

[arash_hazeghi]

Excellent composition, details and BG, like the eye contact would brighten the chest area a bit.

[Harshad Barve]

excellent compo , BG , HA and sharpness
TFS